Kiora Pillay

What is your major?

Biomedical Science.

What did you do before you started your course?

I was a high school student at Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design studying in the specialist arts stream.

What motivated you to study this degree/major?

My high school biology and chemistry teacher is who motivated me to be interested in science and introduced me to the Biomedical Science major.

What do you enjoy most about your degree?

Biomedical science is an extremely flexible degree that allows me to get a globally recognised degree whilst studying other science related subjects I am also passionate about. It also provides many additional opportunities in gaining laboratory experience external to that of UTS. Biomedical Science is also a very practical degree as I am able to work in any pathology laboratory as well as other research laboratories. I can also use this degree as a stepping stone to study medicine.

Why did you choose to study at UTS?

UTS provided the best mode of study suited to me which is largely practical and visual based. There is a lot of practical time and face-to-face time with demonstrators and lecturers when compared to theory components of subjects. 

The facilities and subject content at UTS are also regularly updated, which is great when leaving uni and entering research or the workforce.

What is it like to study at UTS Science?

UTS highly values interaction-based learning which is amazing for retaining information as well as enjoying the degree. The practical and tutorial classes provide a friendly environment to approach academics and, nearing the end of the degree, there are many information and networking nights to ensure success after uni. There has been such a supportive environment studying at UTS and I feel more confident in my ability to secure employment after my degree.

What advice you would give to students studying this degree?

If you know exactly what to do, you can tailor your degree to suit you and your career or if you are unsure of where you would like to work after your degree, the Biomedical Science major allows you to take subjects in a very broad range covering; anatomical pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and haematology. You just need to plan your subjects.  Another way to motivate yourself in science is to do subjects such as the undergraduate research project or professional experience in biomedical science which gives you the opportunity to experience working full time in a laboratory.

What would you like to do once you complete your degree?

Once I complete my degree I'd like to study postgraduate medicine to become a doctor of pathology, majoring in either microbiology or anatomical pathology.

What other activities do you participate/do at uni?

Over the summer session I completed the subject Professional Experience in Biomedical Science and worked full-time in different labs in Liverpool Hospital Pathology for a month. I was fortunate enough to rotate through the areas of anatomical pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and phlebotomy which is not part of the biomedical science degree. It provided great laboratory experience and motivated me to study further to become a doctor of pathology. 

The program taught me a lot about the industry I am planning to work in. I learnt valuable skills and techniques in the labs and the correct use of large machinery, which are employment incentives that cannot be taught in any uni class. I also picked up information and techniques which I have used in every class at UTS since completing the program, allowing me to get ahead of my work and complete it to a higher standard than what I could've previously.

Tell us something interesting about yourself

I am a very creative person and visual learner and have progressed from drawing all my exam notes as diagrams and flow charts to now drawing very detailed anatomically correct labelled diagrams through my art business, along with my other artwork. I have used inspiration from my degree in my artwork and also use science techniques in creating some of the works. I also use visual design elements and principles in my lab work, particularly in histology, anatomical pathology and haematology.  I have found the perfect balance for my creative and analytical sides to complement each other.